Case Study: Kill Bill Vol.1BY RAHIM RAHAT

Background

Released on: 17th October 2003 (UK Release) Directed by: Quentin Tarantino A former assassin, known simply as The Bride (Uma Thurman), wakes from a coma four

years after her jealous ex-lover Bill (David Carradine) attempts to murder her on her wedding day. Fuelled by an insatiable desire for revenge, she vows to get even with every person who contributed to the loss of her unborn child, her entire wedding party, and four years of her life. After devising a hit list, The Bride sets off on her quest, enduring unspeakable injury and unscrupulous enemies.

"Kill Bill, Volume 1" shows Quentin Tarantino so effortlessly and brilliantly in command of his technique that he reminds me of a virtuoso violinist racing through "Flight of the Bumble Bee" -- or maybe an accordion prodigy setting a speed record for "Lady of Spain." I mean that as a sincere compliment. The movie is not about anything at all except the skill and humour of its making. It's kind of brilliant.” – Roger Ebert, October 10 2003

Mise-en-scene

The use of chiaroscuro lighting and the black and white filter is very illuminating and constructs connotations of death which is further reinforced with the blood on her face and the shivering demeanour. The boots of Bill are very high end and exquisite which could make him appear to be very sadistic as the use of a suit conventionally signifies the caricature of a hit man which creates an atmosphere of danger and implies a very turbulent past of The Bride. The contrast of the veil and the bloodied face of The Bride suggest ruination of potential happiness and fulfilment in part of the Bride which sets the undertones of the rest of the film. The handkerchief with Bill’s name on suggest narcissism and egoism which further connote that this act of violence is with revenge in mind due to a damaged ego. The use of thirds is very effective as it constructs connotations of imprisonment, slavery and claustrophobia which is used very well in Once Upon A Time In America. This also shares the similar narrative of brutality and intimidation along with the implication of violence and death expressed in the lighting and the composition of the slow moving shots.

Camera Angles and Editing

Unlike many films, the opening 5 minutes of the film doesn’t consist of more than two shots: the close up of The Bride and the low shot of Bill’s boots. This creates a torturous atmosphere as the scene mostly focuses on the close up. The slow pace implies pain and further emphasises a brutal and remorseless nature of Bill. The primary use of diegetic sound during the confrontation between Bill and the Bride. The focus of the lose up shot on the face of the Bride emphasises further the trauma and stress of murder/attempted murder and therefore reinforces Bill’s psychotic, sadistic nature. The minimalist approach with the use od a limited number of shots and the exclusion of non diegetic sounds make the encounter much more cold and emotionless which are characteristics that can be associated with Bill. The exclusion of Bill’s identity and visage emphasise the idea of a renowned yet unknown killer that tries to remain in the shadow. This idea contrasts Bill’s attempt at the Bride’s life as this creates a much more personal and emotional atmosphere surrounding the altercation.